Panel attachment and circumference adjustment systems for an orthopedic device

ABSTRACT

A spinal orthosis includes posterior panels arranged with a flat spinal curvature to create a reverse three-point pressure system to the spine. The reverse three-point pressure system relieves pressure on the posterior side of the vertebrae beneficial for certain indications. Various arrangements allow for securing the posterior panel to the spinal orthosis. The spinal orthosis includes a belt member length adjustment system including belt members having end portions reducible in length and a belt panel adapted to secure to the end portion of the belt member reduced in length to form at least in part a belt circumference of the spinal orthosis.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure relates to a panel and attachment system for anorthopedic device, and more particularly to a rigid or semi-rigid paneland a system for attaching the panel to a spinal orthosis and a beltcircumference system for reducing a length of belt members.

BACKGROUND

A spinal orthosis or lumbar belt is an orthopedic device designed forpain relief, protecting injured ligaments or muscles and post-surgicalimmobilization. A spinal orthosis is arranged to relieve pressure overthe spinous processes while applying an even pressure to the paraspinalmusculature to ensure comfortable and effective healing. Typicalindications for lumbar supports include spinal stenosis, herniateddiscs, post-surgical stabilization, stable and non-displaced spinalfractures, spondylolithesis, spondylolysis, and degenerative spinalpathologies.

In a known spinal orthosis in FIGS. 1-3, such as the exemplary spinalorthosis described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,172,779, granted on May 8, 2012and incorporated by reference, the spinal orthosis has outer and innersides configurations 10A, 10B, with the inner side arranged to beadjacent the wearer's back. The orthosis has first and second belts 12,14, and a compression system 16 adapted to exert pressure onto thelumbar region of a wearer's back. The compression system 16 includestightening elements or drawstrings 18 that permit the wearer to adjustpressure over the back and a cover 20 extending over the compressionsystem 16.

A flexible or semi-rigid back plate 22 extends over at least part of thecompression system 16, and is arranged to be adjacent the back. The backplate 22 includes a posterior attachment system 24 for a rigid posteriorpanel 26, which includes a single hook and loop system connected at asingle attachment point or flap 25 centered on the back plate 22. Ananterior panel may be attached to the spinal orthosis at an anteriorattachment system 29 on one of the belts.

The posterior panel provides enhanced support to satisfy theimmobilization needs of the wearer. Since the immobilization needs maychange over treatment, it is desirable that the posterior panel isremovable if additional support is required or the support by theposterior panel is excessive such that no posterior panel is required.Posterior panels may have different shapes depending on the type andlevel of required support, and the size of the wearer should it changeover course of treatment. In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 3, theposterior panel has lateral supports 27.

As depicted in FIG. 3, the posterior panel 26 is substantially largerthan the back plate 22, and is anatomically shaped for hugging thecontours of the back. The anatomically shaped panel of this example hasapproximately 15 degrees of lordotic curve built into the contour of thepanel. This allows for the panel and the spinal orthosis to apply athree-point pressure system creating an extension moment to the spine,with two forces in the front, and one force in the center of the back.

In the exemplary prior art spinal orthosis, it has been found it isdifficult to maintain rotational control of the posterior panel relativeto the back plate with the known attachment system. The adjustmentsystem does not allow for visible adjustment of the connection of theposterior panel, and it is easy to poorly adjust and ineffectivelysecure the posterior panel to the spinal orthosis.

Known posterior panels are ill-suited for post-operative use, particularwhen they are not customized for wearers. Known panels lack means toavoid incision sites on wearers that result from back operations.

SUMMARY

Under embodiments of the invention, posterior panels are arranged with aflat spinal curvature to create a reverse three-point pressure systemover the prior art posterior panels that create a flexion moment to thespine. This reverse three-point pressure system is provided to relievepressure on the posterior side of the vertebrae beneficial for certainindications such as spinal stenosis.

The embodiments are flexible in the sense that prior to placementagainst a wearer's back, the panel can flex in flexion or extensionaround the spinal area and laterally around a lateral support ifprovided on the panel. The panels become semi-rigid or rigid when thepanel is coupled to a spinal orthosis, and placed against the lumbarregion of the wearer. The compression system draws the panel firmlyagainst the back so it conforms to the wearer's anatomy, and the panelbecomes semi-rigid or rigid against the wearer's back due to thepressure exerted by the compression system and due to a cylindricaleffect that occurs because of the panel being urged to conform to theanatomy of the wearer.

In a variation of the embodiment, an opening is provided around thespinal area of the posterior panels to ensure there is no risk of thepanel coming into contact with a wearer's incision site or otherwisesensitive area along the spinal area.

In another variation of the embodiment, the posterior panel is providedwith lateral supports with peripheral cut-out sections between thelateral supports and a main body portion. The cut-outs have the benefitof creating flexibility for the panel during compression and rigidifyingthe panel against the wearer to accommodate different body shapes.

An attachment system may be on a cover of a back plate that permits moreuser-friendly securement and rotational control of the posterior panelon the spinal orthosis. According to an embodiment of the attachmentsystem, the cover of the back panel includes a pair of vertical slitsand corresponding openings that allow for opposed straps secured to theposterior panel to couple therewith. This arrangement permits fullvisibility of the straps as they secure to the cover, and the provisionof two attachment points inhibits rotation of the posterior panelrelative to the back panel and improves the strength of the connection.

The attachment system may be similarly employed for attaching ananterior panel to a spinal orthosis by providing the attachment systemalong one of the belt members, and aligning the same so it centrallyfaces the abdomen of the wearer.

In another embodiment, the orthopedic device includes a beltcircumference adjustment system permitting a reduction in thecircumference of the spinal orthosis. The spinal orthosis includes aback unit, and first and second belt members connected to the back paneland having first and second end portions. Each of the first and secondbelt members is arranged for being reduced in length at the first andsecond end portions. The first and second belt members are formed a belthaving a circumference with the back unit. Each of the belt members mayinclude a belt panel having opposed sections arranged for coupling toone of the first and second end portions of at least one of the firstand second belt members, and a leading section arranged for coupling oneof the first and second belt members.

The back unit may include first and second tabs each defining anelongate slot through which the first and second end portions extend.The leading section of the at least one belt panel secures to a surfaceof a respective one of the belt members onto which the at least onepanel is secured. The at least one belt panel may be extended throughthe elongate slot while carried by a respective one of the belt members.

In another variation, the belt panel may be secured onto a first endportion of the first belt member, and the second end portion of thefirst belt member securing to the back unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood regarding the followingdescription, appended claims, and accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an outer side of a prior art spinal orthosis.

FIG. 2 shows an inner side of the prior art spinal orthosis of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the prior art spinal orthosis of FIG. 1having a posterior panel and placed on a wearer.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a posterior panel.

FIG. 5 shows another posterior panel embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows a posterior panel embodiment having lateral supports.

FIG. 7 illustrates outer and inner sides of a strap for an attachmentsystem.

FIG. 8 shows the posterior panel of FIG. 6 having the straps in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 shows a back plate having a cover including part of an attachmentsystem.

FIG. 10 shows the posterior panel of FIG. 5 including the straps in FIG.7.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing a step of attaching the posteriorpanel to the back plate.

FIG. 12 is another schematic view showing a step of attaching theposterior panel to the back plate.

FIG. 13 is yet another schematic view showing a step of attaching theposterior panel to the back plate.

FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing the visibility of the attachment ofthe strap to the cover.

FIG. 15 is a schematic view showing the attachment of the back plate tothe posterior panel with rotational control.

FIG. 16 is a schematic view showing another embodiment of a spinalorthosis.

FIG. 17 is a detailed schematic view showing the spinal orthosis of FIG.16.

FIG. 18 is a detailed schematic view showing attachment of a beltsegment of the spinal orthosis of FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing another embodiment of a spinalorthosis.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of size adjustment of a belt segment ofthe spinal orthosis of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a plan view showing the spinal orthosis of FIG. 19.

The drawing figures are not drawn to scale, but instead are drawn toprovide a better understanding of the components, and are not intendedto be limiting in scope, but rather to provide exemplary illustrations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS A. Overview

A better understanding of different embodiments of the disclosure may behad from the following description read with the accompanying drawingsin which like reference characters refer to like elements.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications andalternative constructions, certain illustrative embodiments are in thedrawings and are described below. It should be understood, however,there is no intention to limit the disclosure to the specificembodiments disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention covers allmodifications, alternative constructions, combinations, and equivalentsfalling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

It will be understood that, unless a term is expressly defined in thisdisclosure to possess a described meaning, there is no intent to limitthe meaning of such term, either expressly or indirectly, beyond itsplain or ordinary meaning.

The panel embodiments described are configured for use as posteriorpanels for placement against the back of a wearer. It should beremembered, however, that the same concepts and methods described may besimilarly used for anterior panels adapted for a spinal orthosis.

B. Embodiments of the Panel and Attachment System

In referring to FIGS. 4-6, different posterior panels may be used with aspinal orthosis. Each of these panels is preferably flexible in thesense that prior to placement against a wearer's back, the panel canflex in flexion or extension around the spinal area and laterally arounda lateral support if provided on the panel. The panels become semi-rigidor rigid when the panel is coupled to a spinal orthosis, and placedagainst the lumbar region of the wearer. The compression system drawsthe panel firmly against the back so it conforms to the wearer'sanatomy, and the panel become semi-rigid or rigid against the wearer'sback due to the pressure exerted by the compression system and due to acylindrical effect that occurs because of the panel being urged toconform to the anatomy of the wearer. Alternatively, the panel may bewholly rigid or fully flexible before, during and after use with thecompression system.

FIG. 4 shows a flat flexible non-lateral posterior panel 28, having atleast a pair of attachment strips 30. FIG. 5 shows a flat-flexiblelateral posterior panel 32 having attachment strips and lateralsupports. As with the panels described, each panel may include a paddedcover comprising foam, textile or a combination. An example of a cover72 is in part in reference to the schematic views of FIGS. 11-14.

FIG. 6 illustrates a posterior panel 36 having a top portion 38 taperingfrom a main body portion 52, a bottom portion 40 having a greater widththan the top portion, and lateral supports 42 extending laterally fromthe main body portion 52. The panel 36 defines notches 44 includingupper and lower portions and located between the lateral supports 42 andthe main body portion 52. The notches 44 facilitate bending of the panelabout the torso of the wearer without compromising eventual rigidity ofthe panel 36 when used in combination with the compression system.

The panel 36 defines an elongate central opening 46 provided around thespinal area of the panel 36 to ensure there is no risk of the panelcoming into contact with a wearer's incision site or otherwise sensitivearea along the spinal area. The panel also defines a plurality ofapertures in part to improve ventilation of the panel when worn by thewearer. The apertures may also be improved bending of the panel aboutthe anatomy of the wearer. The apertures are arranged in combinationwith the lateral supports in an arcuate configuration that allows thepanel to bend in an anatomically friendly manner. The panel 36 alsodefines at least two vertically arranged slits 48, 50 arranged forreceiving a strap.

The strap may be configured as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7. Inthis embodiment, the strap 60 has a hook surface 68 and ahook-receivable surface 70. The strap 60 defines a base portion 62 havea greater width than the slits 48, 50 to prevent the base portion 62from passing through the slits. The strap further defines an elongatearm 66, which is extended through a passageway 64 formed between thebase portion 62 and the arm 66.

As depicted in FIG. 8, the arm 66 is adapted to extend through a firstslit, through the passageway 64, and a second slit to secure the strapto the panel, with the hook surface 68 securable to the hook-receivablesurface 70.

In reference to FIG. 9, the cover of the back plate 22 includes theattachment system 24. The attachment system 24 includes a hookreceivable central segment including pair of laterally extending slits54 for receiving a single prior art strap used to attach the posteriorpanel to the spinal orthosis. The attachment system 24 also includes apair of vertically extending slits 56 and a laterally extendinghook-receivable segments 74 spaced apart from one another by the centralsegment and having openings 76 which permit a strap to extend to theslits 56. The laterally extending segments 74 are spaced apart toaccommodate panel embodiments having an elongate vertical opening as inthe embodiment of FIG. 6.

Turning to FIG. 10, the panel embodiment of FIG. 5 includes the straps60 of FIG. 7 extending through slits 58, 60.

FIGS. 11-14 depict a method for attaching the posterior panel of FIG. 10including a cover 72 and the straps 60 to the attachment system 24 ofthe back plate 22 of FIG. 9. According to the first step in FIG. 11, thearm 66 of the strap is threaded through the opening 57 of the laterallyextending segment 74. Next, FIG. 12 depicts the arm 66 as pulled throughthe vertically extending slit 56. The arm 66 is tensioned in view of thebase 62 serving as an anchor and the hook surface of the arm 66 istightly secured against the laterally extending segment 74 has ahook-receivable surface to engage the hook and hook-receivable materialtogether.

FIG. 14 shows the hook surface of the base 62 as likewise extendingalong the laterally extending surface 74 and likewise preventingslippage of the strap 60 from the panel. In view of the laterallyextending nature of the arm, the clinician securing the panel to theback plate can view how the arm is secured to the back plate thatassures the strap is properly secured and aligned. In view of the strapsbeing on the sides, an easier work environment is provided for theclinician when the spinal orthosis is assembled for a wearer. The paneland back plate are rotated 180 degrees and the strap on the oppositeside is secured as in FIGS. 11-14.

FIG. 15 depicts how the two straps securing the posterior panel 32 tothe back plate 22 prevent rotation of the panel relative to the plate.Any movement of the posterior panel is mitigated or eliminated in viewof the attachment system. The hook and loop connection only works inshear since the strap base creates an anchor point to retain the strapin a lateral position and has strength to retain the strap to theposterior panel.

C. Embodiments of the Belt Member Length Adjustment System

Turning to the embodiment of FIGS. 16-18, the spinal orthosis 110 has abelt member length adjustment system enable a reduction in circumferenceof a belt circumference of the spinal orthosis. The belt circumferenceincludes first and second belt segments 112, 114 arranged to beconnected to one another on the anterior of the wearer, and areconnected on the posterior side by a back unit, preferably including acompression system 116, to form a belt circumference.

Elongate tensioning elements 118 extend from first and second sides ofthe spinal orthosis, coupling to the compression system 116 and securedover the anterior of the wearer on the first and second belt segments112, 114. A handle 128 is secured to an end of the tensioning elements118 and is securable to the first and second belt segments. A cover 120is provided to extend over the compression system 116.

Each of the belt segments 112, 114 is reducible in length preferably atits posterior end, and the posterior end is securable to the compressionsystem 116 after the belt segment 112, 114 is reduced in length.

The reduced end of the belt segment 112, 114 is attached to thecompression system 116 by looping a segment 122 of the belt segment 112,114 through a slot 132 formed on a plate 134 of the compression system116. The plate 134 is modified over the plate in U.S. Pat. No.8,172,779, and carries a plurality of reduction elements 136, such aspulleys or posts, and at least one cable 138. The belt member 112, 114may be reduced in length along a plurality of locations 140. Thelocations 140 may be identified on the belt member 112, 114 by indiciadefining different lengths.

The segment 122 attaches to an outer surface of the belt member 112, 114by a clip or belt panel having two opposed clamping sections 126, 130clamped onto opposed sides of the segment 122, and a leading section 124extending from the clamping sections 126, 130 and removably securing tothe outer surface of the belt member 112, 114. The clamping sections126, 130 preferably engage the segment 122 by fasteners, such as by ahook and loop wherein the clamping sections 126, 130 include hookmaterial and the outer and an inner surface of the belt segment 112, 114includes a loop material that is hook receivable. The leading section128 likewise may include hook material and secure to the hook receivablesurface of the belt members 112, 114.

The segment 122 may be looped through the slot 132 in eitherorientation, so the leading section 128 secures over the outer or innersurfaces of the belt member 112, 114.

FIGS. 19-21 illustrate another embodiment including a belt member lengthadjustment system wherein the spinal orthosis includes belt panels 150,152 removably securable to the belt members 112, 114. In thisembodiment, rather than reduce the length of the belt member 112, 114 atthe posterior end, the belt member is reduced in length at the anteriorend 164.

The belt panels 150, 152 have clamping sections 156, 160 secured toopposed sides of the belt members 112, 114 and terminate at a stitchedor termination point 154 leaving a forward end 158 of the front panels150, 152 to secure on the opposing belt panel carried by an opposingbelt member. The clamping sections 156, 160 may include a fastenermaterial 162 secured to the surface of the belt members 112, 114. Asegment 166 of the belt member 112, 114 may be reduced at the anteriorend 164 and removed by cutting or other appropriate means. The frontpanels 150, 152 may include padding or may be reinforced with rigid,semi-rigid or flexible shells.

While the foregoing embodiments have been described and shown,alternatives and modifications of these embodiments, such as thosesuggested by others may be made to fall within the scope of theinvention. While the orthosis has been described in combination with aspinal orthosis, it will be understood that the principles described maybe extended to other types of orthopedic and prosthetic devices.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A spinal orthosis arranged for securing atleast about a spinal area of a wearer, the spinal orthosis includingfirst and second belt members, and a compression system connecting tothe first and second belt members, a cover extends over at least a partof the compression system, the spinal orthosis comprising: a posteriorpanel defining first and second openings; first and second strapsengaging the posterior panel at first and second openings, the first andsecond straps extending in opposed first and second lateral directions,respectively, from the first and second openings, each of said first andsecond straps including a hook surface on an opposite from the posteriorpanel; wherein the hook surface of first and second straps are arrangedto engage a hook-receivable surface of the cover and to the posteriorpanel.
 2. The spinal orthosis of claim 1, wherein the posterior panel isflexible prior to placement against a back of the wearer, the posteriorpanel being flexible in flexion or extension around the spinal area ofthe wearer.
 3. The spinal orthosis of claim 2, wherein the posteriorpanel is arranged to become semi-rigid or rigid when the posterior panelis placed against the spinal area of the wearer.
 4. The spinal orthosisof claim 1, wherein the cover defines a pair of vertically extendingslits through which the first and second straps extend, the first andsecond openings of the posterior panel including two verticallyextending openings, each of the first and second straps connecting to arespective one of the vertically extending slits.
 5. The spinal orthosisof claim 4, wherein each of the first and second straps has first andsecond ends, the first end of each of the first and second strapssecuring to the cover, and the second end of each of the first andsecond straps retained by the posterior panel.
 6. The spinal orthosis ofclaim 1, further comprising a back plate securing to the compressionsystem, the cover extending over the back plate.
 7. The spinal orthosisof claim 1, wherein the compression system is arranged to draw theposterior panel firmly against the spinal area of the wearer and toconform to anatomy of the wearer, the posterior panel configured tobecome semi-rigid or rigid against the wearer due to pressure exerted bythe compression system.
 8. The spinal orthosis of claim 1, wherein theposterior panel defines an elongate opening located generally centrallyat a width of the posterior panel, and extends longitudinally along aheight of the posterior panel.
 9. The spinal orthosis of claim 1,wherein the posterior panel defines lateral supports extending fromopposed sides of the posterior panel in a width direction of theposterior panel, the posterior panel further including cut-outs betweena central portion of the posterior panel and the lateral supports. 10.The spinal orthosis of claim 1, wherein the posterior panel is arrangedwith a flat spinal curvature arranged to create a reverse three-pointpressure system over the spinal area.
 11. A spinal orthosis arranged forsecuring at least about a spinal area of a wearer, the spinal orthosisincluding first and second belt members, and a compression systemconnecting to the first and second belt members, the spinal orthosiscomprising: a panel defining first and second openings and the panelbeing rigid or semi-rigid; first and second straps engaging the panel atfirst and second openings, the first and second straps extending inopposed first and second lateral directions, respectively, from thefirst and second openings, each of said first and second strapsincluding a hook surface on an opposite from the panel; wherein the hooksurface of first and second straps are arranged to connect to thecompression system or the first and second belt members, and engage asurface of the panel.
 12. The spinal orthosis of claim 11, furthercomprising a cover extending over the panel and having at least oneaperture corresponding to the at least one opening of the panel.